Permeable interlocking concrete paving (PICP) systems are currently implemented as a treatment option in regards to stormwater management. In Australia there is still speculation over what the effective life of a system is, but it is widely held to be around 20 years. Sediment usually accumulates on aggregate bedding in-between pavers eventually reaching a point where it can no longer function as intended, requiring the system to undergo replacement works. Finding a way to increase the effective life of a paving system would result in the reduction of costs associated with maintenance and replacement. Results are presented for eight individual pavement alteration designs examining three different variables; width, depth and shape. Alterations to the pavers were made in the form of slots cut into the base of the pavers to act as channels. The aims were to execute a qualitative sediment accumulation analysis on each of the geometrically modified paver designs and to evaluate the flexural strength of each. A yearly representative sediment sample of 33.885g was added to each pavement design system to simulate 10 years of accelerated sediment loading conditions. It was established that slots cut into the base of the pavers allow sediment to accumulate on the aggregate bedding beneath. A direct relationship was found to exist between slot size and sediment accumulation beneath the pavers, a correlation between slot shape and sediment accumulation could not be established.

Description

Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering), University of the Sunshine Coast, 2013.